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Oro Valley council debates discontinuing free transit; staff to consult RTA and report options
Summary
Vice Mayor Barrett and other council members urged study of reinstating fares for non-senior riders on Oro Valley transit. Staff said the town is part of a regional system and will explore options with the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA).
Council members pressed staff on May 5 to consider returning fares to Oro Valley transit after the service became free during the COVID-19 period.
Vice Mayor Barrett said the free-fare policy has led to growth in door-to-door dial-a-ride usage and raised public safety and long'term cost concerns. She suggested a hybrid approach: free rides for seniors and people with disabilities while charging a modest fare for other riders.
Staff response and constraints: Assistant Public Works Director Amy Ramsey said Oro Valley operates as part of a regional Sun Tran/RTA network and the region suspended fares during COVID; the town can pursue a local fare change but would need at least six months to implement new fares and follow Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and public hearing requirements. Ramsey and other staff said some aspects of dial-a-ride are local (registrations and localized pick-up/drop-off rules) but fare structures across the regional system are coordinated so any change would require dialogue with the RTA/the city of Tucson.
Council feedback and next steps: Council Members Nicholson, Murphy and others supported exploring a nominal fare for non'seniors and non'mobility'limited riders, and proposed testing a resident registration requirement or pilot of a nominal charge in Parks & Recreation services first. Town staff agreed to open discussions with the RTA and report options and timelines to council; they said reverting to fares would require public process and coordination with the regional service provider.
Operational notes: Staff described that the town'run demand response service requires rider registration and some trips (for ADA certified riders) may extend to Tucson medical destinations; staff said enforcement and eligibility verification are part of the current registration process.
Conclusion: The council asked staff to pursue RTA discussions on a potential fare policy change and return with an implementation timetable and options for council consideration.
